By Conor Sharkey

ON the spot fines for anyone caught contaminating their blue bins have been described as "a step too far" by a Strabane councillor.

New legislation came into force on Monday of this week, enabling the local authorities to issue £100 fixed penalty fines to anyone found putting the wrong materials in their recycling bins, namely the blue bin.

Councils however are not compelled to enforce the the measure, but can decide whether they wish to adopt it or not.

Environment Minister Arlene Foster said the new powers "offer a quicker, more flexible and more cost-effective alternative to expensive and time consuming court prosecutions".

But Councillor Barr disagrees, saying the new legislation would only inflict further misery on Strabane's already under pressure households.

"I was concerned and rather surprised to hear a spokesperson for parties in Derry give a guarded welcome to these new powers.

"Strabane District Council have yet to discuss this, but I would be concerned that when we amalgamate with Derry, it would be an uphill struggle not to have this enforced.

He added, "I agree that every effort needs to be made to encourage householders to use their blue bins and in the manner they are designed for.

"But with regards to fixed penalties, council already have the power to prosecute anyone who defiantly refuses to recycle their refuse.

Councillor Barr said he has heard that other local councils in the North are saying that they won't be implementing these fines willy nilly, but will do so selectively against repeat offenders.

He said, "My argument would be that if that is how it was intended to be used, then we already have adequate powers in place.

"Given the cost of living and with fuel costs going through the roof, It would be intolerable if Strabane Council decided to adopt this measure, when it is optional.

"It is incumbent on every councillor on Strabane Council to realise that these on-the-spot fines for blue bin contamination are a step too far," Councillor Barr added.